Tense is usually the word that sums up Champions League knockout games, especially semi-final ties where so much is riding on the line for the winning team. The same word also applies to the atmosphere at games and how fans feel when watching their team in such an important game.

The tie of the round sees Villarreal travel to cup favourites Porto, whilst Braga make the short trip to Benfica in an all Portuguese tie.

I love football, and will happily watch any team, any league and any level. Mrs. M often comments in amazement at how I can watch something like Sparta Prague v Dynamo Kiev when I have no interest in either team or the competition they are playing in.

Arsenal prepare bid for former Lyon striker Karim Benzema.

After a masterclass display in the champions semi final showdown, Fergie has stepped up his efforts to sign the German No1.

Lukaku, 17 is being chased by Europe’s elite, but it appears Chelsea have won the race to sign the Belgian.

The Sun reports that Wenger has finally accepted defeated and will reluctantly sell his captain.

1995. I remember it well. The Britpop wars were raging, with Oasis’ meat & potatoes rock battling Blur’s mockney sing-alongs for pop chart supremacy. At the movies, David Fincher, Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman made an instant classic with Se7en whilst Bruce dug out the white vest again for Die Hard with a Vengeance. On the telly, Men Behaving Badly had hit its peak of laddishness. Southend were comfortably treading water in mid-table again. I was living at home, young free and single.